Solent: Coffin Mew launches dedicated planning law service as it strengthens team

South Coast law firm Coffin Mew has launched a dedicated planning law service for its residential and commercial developer clients, following the appointment of Paul Grant.

At the same time, the firm has announced the appointments of real estate heavyweight Marion Wilcock and senior associate Conor Geoghegan to its South Coast commercial property practice.

Grant joined the firm on October 5 from Hampshire County Council, where he was assistant head of legal services (environment) with responsibility for advising both the cabinet member for the economy, transport and environment portfolio and the director of the economy, transport and environment department.

A specialist planning lawyer, Grant brings to Coffin Mew a detailed understanding of all areas of planning law and related issues, including large planning applications and s106 planning agreements, highways, major transport and infrastructure schemes, enforcement and environmental issues.

He has experience of advising on a wide variety of local government law issues including decision-making and judicial review.  He also brings experience from both the private and the public sector having previously worked for other private law firms on the South Coast.

Wilcock joins the firm as a consultant following a 30-year career at DMH Stallard, with Geoghegan joining from Penningtons Manches in Guildford. Both joined the firm on October 12.

Wilcock was previously head of DMH Stallard’s commercial property practice and has been involved in some of the largest and most high-profile schemes along the South Coast including Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club’s Amex stadium, Newhaven Port and the redevelopment of East Grinstead’s town centre.

Geoghegan brings to the firm extensive experience of the commercial property market, both in the City and in the Surrey/Hampshire region.

Grant commented on his appointment: “Coffin Mew has a diverse and ambitious commercial and residential real estate team.  It is behind some of the South Coast’s largest and most dynamic schemes, and I am excited to be part of the team.

“The planning regime is complex. Developers need both the technical and practical support from advisers that have experience from both private and public sector perspectives, and to be able to work collaboratively with the various regulatory authorities.  This is something we can now provide.”

Wilcock added: “I have known and worked alongside Nick and his team for a number of years.  The opportunity to join the team as it embarks on an exciting expansion was too good to pass up.  I look forward to supporting and working alongside Nick and his team.”

Nick Leavey, partner and head of commercial property at Coffin Mew, said: “We are delighted with Paul, Marion and Conor’s decision to join the firm.  All will be terrific assets to Coffin Mew and our clients.”